In Light of the World, Dyer discusses the "racial character of technology" (83). Technology, which is socially constructed, reflects who technology was developed and intended for. Considering White was the "norm" / predominant within media, it leads to the development of technology that reflects the intended user. Whiteness becomes the norm, and reflects that it is preferred (93). Darker skin tones were looked over during this developmental process, because white faces weren't marked as white. They were simply normalized as the "standard face".
Even in present-day media, it is still reflected that the "white face" is what is the expected user. Whiteness is still on top of our social hierarchy, and that message is ingrained into our technology. White culture was the representation of the human image, and blackness was to be pointed out as the abnormal. The naturalization of this developmental stage is clear even in present-day technology.
Currently HP web cams, decide to follow and recognize faces is unable to recognize people of darker skin tones. Considering this is newer technology, which should represent current social attitudes, some companies still reflect that whiteness is indeed the norm.
HD Camera Can't See Blackness
If we can recognize this, can we not be more aware of other races to cater to them as well?
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